Saturday

On our first day we hired a driver, Mr. Narong, who took us to the floating market, an elephant ride, and the bridge over river Kwai. We rode in a boat around the market. You see vendor’s on the side selling trinkets and then the women and men riding along in boats selling food. Some are even cooking hot food.

Then off we went to ride an elephant. I wasn’t too happy about this. I don’t like to get on a horse because they are so big! But an elephant? Crazy! My friend Bea said I had to do it because I’ll probably never get another chance. It wasn’t too bad. Except I felt the basket we were in was sliding off on Gene’s side.

Onto The Bridge Over River Kwai! Fascinating to see something that you have read about. We were able to walk on the bridge even though it had railroads tracks running over it. If a train came you had to get to the side. It has little pockets that you can stand in when a train come. No train while we were on it. There is a floating restaurant next to it and of course a statue of a Buddha.

Before we left, Thailand was having some of the worst flooding in over 70 years. Gene was getting nervous, but we had everything booked, and I knew we would be spending more time in Southern Thailand where the flooding didn’t touch. We did see a little bit on the outskirts of Thailand and our driver, Mr. Narong, said his home was flooded. We didn’t have any rain on our whole trip and the weather was perfect! From low 80’s to mid 90’s.

And here is Mr. Narong! Great guy, will go the extra mile, and spoke very good English.

Our hotel boasts the best view of Bangkok. Here is a picture from the view area. They also had these great cut outs that Gene and I tried! Don’t we look like authentic Thai people!

This is a picture of my shrimp won ton soup that was delicious.

Sometimes you come across the “squat” toilets. You just have to grit your teeth, squat, and hope your aim is accurate!

Friday

We took a 3 day mini cruise from Vancouver, BC to San Francisco with our good friends Bonnie and Dennis. Bonnie and Dennis live in Arizona, so they flew up late Friday night. Saturday morning we took the train from Seattle to Vancouver and caught the ship. Here is Gene sitting on the balcony enjoying the sun and a drink before we leave port.

Here is Bonnie and I enjoying cocktails before dinner.

And the guys, Gene and Dennis, enjoying their drinks.

Gene and Bonnie decided to take naps (in separate rooms!) so Dennis and I hit the bar scene.

We hit rough seas during the night and the following day. Everyone took to their beds except me. I roamed around the ship, spent time in the library reading my book, and making new BFF’s for 2 days. I met a lot of interesting people. This one woman said her and a group of friends took the train from LA to Seattle. Spent a few days enjoying my beautiful city and then was catching the train to Vancouver to catch the cruise ship. They found out 10 minutes before they were to leave for the train station that their travel agent made the train reservations for Vancouver Washington not Vancouver Canada! Crazy! They had to hire a shuttle to get them to the cruise ship and they almost missed the boat. I wouldn’t be using that travel agent again! Here is Gene enjoying his day of seasickness with his favorite toy, the remote control.

They had to cover the pool because the water was poring out of it with the motion of the ship.

Our last day on the ship and the weather turned out beautiful. Here is Bonnie and I with Alcatraz behind us. That’s Gene’s hand behind Bonnie.

Love the Golden Gate Bridge! There was a touch of fog coming in.

Here is a picture of The Princess from the port in San Francisco.

And it just wouldn’t be San Fran without a picture of a seal sunbathing.

Or without Gene shopping!

We spent some time on Fisherman’s Wharf before D & B’s son picked us up. We spent some time at Kevin’s before Gene and I had to head to the airport and home.

In August we took a float plane from Seattle to Victoria, BC. I’m not too keen on little planes, let alone the larger ones, but it is a fast way to get to Victoria. I believe it is less than an hour flight.

It’s unbelievable how close you get to the space needle.

Gene holding the door and Paul helping Terri out.

Kurt exiting the plane

Kurt and Sabra taking a leisurely stroll.

Kurt and Sabra

Three happy guys. One a little bit happier than the other.

Terri, Gene and Kurt down by the water.

Here are pictures of the Parliament during the day and one lit up at night.

Stopping for lunch, Gene, Sabra, Tery, Terri, and Kurt

Tery, Sabra, and Terri

Paul, Kurt, and Gene

Big Bad John bar. Check out the bras hanging from the ceiling.

It was a fun weekend with some great people.

Here we are waiting for the plane so we can go home.

Gene on the airplane heading home

Kurt got to sit in the cockpit.

We must not have taken off yet since my eyes are still open.

Terri and I on the plane. I was putting in ear plugs because it gets very noisy.